Monday, July 03, 2006

Cream of Spinach Soup, Anyone?

I didn't eat meat the entire month of June.Don't ask why I decided to forgo meat for one whole month because there isn't a reason. I just decided to see if I could do it. The answer: yes, I can do it, easily. I still ate dairy products and eggs, just no beef, chicken, pork, fish, shellfish, etc. I'm not sure I could ever give up cheese, but giving up meat wasn't too hard. There were some tough moments, naturally, but I found that generally I did not miss meat in my diet. Why I liked going meatless1. I ate more vegetables. There was one time at my mom's where the only non-meat foods were potato salad and carrots. There wasn't a lot of potato salad but the carrots were endless. I ate a lot of carrots.2. I didn't overeat. Several times (three times eating out and a BBQ at my dad's) I could have ended up eating too much but didn't because I had opted for just the nonmeat sides. I finished the meals feeling satisfied but not stuffed. 3. Variety and creativity. I had to find new things to make and order new meals at restaurants in order to keep to my goal. I found many new foods to enjoy. My favorite new recipe: Mix one smashed avocado with a can of black beans (rinsed), lime juice, and a little fresh cilantro. Spread hummus on a flat pita (not the kind with the pocket - flour/wheat tortillas can be substituted, too), then spread with some of the avocado mixture. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds. I folded it like a burrito and enjoy!4. Accomplishment. I like achieving goals, even if they are just for the heck of it.Why I'm glad to eat meat again1. Tuna fish sandwiches. I had one for lunch today and had forgotten just how yummy they are!2. Chicken. I thought I would have missed chicken more than I did. Anyway, I have several chicken breasts in my freezer that need to be used and now I can.3. Hmm. I can't think of a third. I guess there are only two reasons.Overally, it was a good experience. MUCH easier than last year's fruit juice fast!

Good for you, Julie. Sounds like a fun project. I think if it was just Myke and I we would eat more healthy. I would like to have fish more often and lots of vegetables. I could get by easily without beef; chicken would be a little harder to do without. Greg will eat eggs, milk and cheese - anything that doesn't kill the animal.

Hooray for you! You are amazing at making goals and sticking to them! You've got integrity, you always have.I think it's good at times to try out self-mastery in our diets, although it's difficult thing to master. I could NEVER do a tuna fast. Tuna keeps me going.AND loved your avocado/hummus/pita recipe. Must try!

Cassie, not having meat wasn't as hard as I would've guessed. I love meat, too, especially chicken! I filled my plate with so many other things that I didn't even miss the meat. At my dad's BBQ I had so many salads and side dishes that I wouldn't have had room on my plate for the hanburger! That said, I'm super glad to eat meat again. I missed those tuna sandwiches!

I don't know if I could really do that. I think I could actually give up red meat. When I lived on my own I hardly ever made anything with hamburger. I ate mostly chicken at home and fish or chicken at restaurants. I do love a good roast though.